Fed: Spencer the right man for WTO post NFF

AAP General News (Australia)
04-27-2001
Fed: Spencer the right man for WTO post NFF

Farmers say Australia has picked the right man as its new ambassador to cauldron of
free trade -- the World Trade Organisation.

Foreign Minister ALEXANDER DOWNER has announced DAVID SPENCER will replace GEOFFREY
RABY, who has been ambassador to the WTO since March 1998.

Mr SPENCER has a long career in trade representation behind him, having been a part
of the Australian delegation to the GATT talks in the early 1970s.

He's currently deputy secretary with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and
is expected to take up his new post some time before the fourth WTO ministerial conference
in Qatar in November.

National Farmers Federation deputy director LYALL HOWARD says Mr SPENCER understands
the importance of the multilateral trade system and Australia's ability to shape and influence
events.

AAP RTV dep/klw/hn/

KEYWORD: WTO AUST (CANBERRA)

2001 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.